VMC Preview: CFC v MCFC

City head to Laandaarn Taarn in desperate need of a good result. Can Mancio rally his squad for the daunting challenge at Chelsea..?

Vital Quotes:

Roberto Mancini:

'We must focus on the Chelsea match because if we want to finish in the top four we must pick up as many points as we can.'

Carlo Ancelotti:

"John Terry is professional and doesn't have a problem concentrating on the match. He has been putting in good performances. He is in focus and has a good mentality. He has had a fantastic season and will do the same until the end of the season."

Shay Given:

'What can you say? We're knocked out of the cup and we have to move on. It is a big club, obviously, and there is huge expectation at the club now, but we have to just try and take a deep breath and try and finish the season on a high. We are very much in contention for fourth spot and we've got to focus on that. Hopefully we can do that and then reassess things in the summer.'

Vincent Kompany:

'It's a big game for both clubs and it's a measure of our progress that we are considered one of the few clubs who can go to Stamford Bridge and be a danger to Chelsea, so why not go there and take our chance?'

Frank Lampard:

'City are only under as much pressure as we are. We're used to that pressure. I don't think previous results will have too much bearing and I think the game will be huge in itself. We want to win it, and I'm sure they are going to want to win it to get over one or two disappointing results.'

Ref Watch:

M L Dean, Wirral
Mr. Dean takes charge of his fifth City game this season, and his fourth with Chelsea. He reffed City in wins over Blackburn and the rags (2-1 in the League Cup) plus draws at Villa and Birmingham. Steady yellow flourisher but reserved red card merchant. We are due a better refereeing standard than of late.Current season record: Games:29, Yellow Cards:102 Red Cards:4

Match Prediction:

City desperately need points, 24 short of the 70 points season target with 12 games to go. Hand on Blue heart I do not expect us to get anything at Stamford Bridge. The odds and of course the stats above are piled against us. Despite obvious improvement in the first 30 mins of the FA Cup defeat at Stoke, I saw enough to suggest that our side is lacking the backbone, resilience, will to fight back and not be defeated that we saw from this squad last autumn. In midfield we are crucially lacking control and leadership. A vital area that must be won against Chelsea. If City put in the same poor tempo, lack of urgency and faiure to create consistent chances that we have seen recently against Portsmouth, Stoke, Bolton and Hull, we'll be put to the sword. Johnny On The Spot: Chelsea 2 CITY 0